Belize Times October 16, 2022 - Senior Court Enacted

The House of Representatives will have the 2nd and 3rd reading of the Senior Courts Bill. In early May 2022, as per planBelize, Cabinet gave its approval for major changes to be legis lated on our justice system. The recommenda tion was for the Attorney General to have a bill at the next sitting of the House of Representatives which was then Friday June 3 to restructure the administration of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal with the introduction of the Se nior Courts of Belize. The passage of the bill that will go to the Senate and Governor General will be voted on at the House on October 17, 2022.

The Senior Courts Bill will seek to do these:

1. Amalgamate the Court of Appeal Act and the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, while introducing changes to the administration of those two courts.

2. It renames the Supreme Court to being the High Court since the Supreme Court is not our apex court. The

PLANBELIZE JUSTICE

Caribbean Court of Justice is our apex court.

3. Consolidate the judicial lead ership of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal by making the Chief Justice the legal and administrative leader of both courts.

4. The Chief Justice is be assisted by a President of the Court of Appeal and two Senior Judges for the High Court, one Senior Court Judge for the Criminal Division and one Senior Court Judge for the Civil Division. This will allow for the Criminal Division to have a dedicated full-time leader to improve the timely delivery of jus tice in that division, as well as having a full-time leader in the Civil Division to provide for the efficiency in the Civil

Division.

5. In the High Court Civil Divi sion, there are to be specialized divi sions which is intended to lead to greater efficiency. There is to be a Commercial Division (Contracts, Tort and Corpo rate matters), Constitutional and Public Law Division (Constitutional challeng es, Judicial Review claims, and Case Stated matters), Family and Trust Law Division (Family, Trust and Probate), and such divisions as the Chief Justice may think necessary to add. Specialized courts lead to specialized judges who can swiftly deal with matters having be come familiar and experts in particular areas of the law.

6. It introduces additional judicial offices, such as the office of a Master, who will be able to assist judges with

pre-trial matters such as interlocutory applications (injunctions, stay of pro ceedings, specific disclosure), case man agement, pre-trial and status hearings. This will free up precious judicial time for judges to be able to dedicate their time to the substantive trial of cases, leading to matters moving more swiftly through the courts. Judicial Assistants will also be introduced to assist judges with research of legal issues. There is to also be the introduction of a Chief Reg istrar to assist the Chief Justice and to administer the Court of Appeal and su pervise the Registrar, Deputy Registrars and Assistant Registrars.

7. It removes contentious fault grounds in divorce proceedings. Cur rently, there are five grounds to petition the courts for a divorce: three marital fault grounds namely on the ground of adultery, cruelty, and desertion, and two no-fault ground, namely that the mar

riage has broken down irretrievably as evidenced by three years separation and, the other, is based on consent of the parties after they have been living separate and apart by one year.

8. The Senior Courts Bills, also, removes provisions which are discrim inatory based on sex, so that husband and wives have equal footing on judi cial remedies in divorce proceedings. It removes archaic and offensive lan guage to modernize the language.

9. It establishes a Rules Com mittee, which is chaired by the Chief Justice, to promulgate rules for the ef ficient management of cases and rules of procedure.

10. It provides for video record ings to eventually replace type-written transcripts which are time consuming and costly to produce and which delay the appeal process and judgement de livery.

Building Inaugurated San Isidro Gov’t School

Cabinet Brief

Belmopan, 13th October 2022. 4:00 p.m.

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 11th October 2022.

• The Minister of Agriculture notified Cabinet that the quick response by government and poultry producers to address the outbreak of the avian flu in Belize was successful. All tests conducted by Belize Agricultural Health Authority show Belize is completely free of the avian influenza virus. As such, quarantine measures have been discontinued.

• Cabinet received a preliminary damage report from the Minister of Sus tainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management on the flooding resulting from the heavy rains caused by Hurricane Ju lia and has requested that a damage assessment and needs analysis be conducted. In addition, Cabinet approved initial monies from the Contingency Fund to provide assistance to those most affected by the flooding.

• Cabinet approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Belize and Variodin AG, a technology company based in Germany. The MOU will set the conditions for capitalizing on and mit igating the growing threat of sargassum to the region’s critical tourism industry by using it to produce energy.

• Cabinet approved the signing of an agreement for the establishment of a Belize country office by the Central American Bank for Economic Development (CABEI).

• Cabinet approved just over BZ$677,000 in additional funding for the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government. The funds will be used to acquire a new well rig and support vehicle to provide access to water for 22 rural communities that currently do not have a water system and allow for effective main tenance to the 108 communities that currently depend on rural water systems. The total cost of the rig and support vehicle is BZ$2.1 million of which BZ$1.5 million is a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan).

• Cabinet gave its approval for Belize to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts. This will complete and update existing legislation as well as provide a strategic advantage to the country when promoting e-com merce and information technology-related services.

• The Prime Minister informed Cabinet that after accepting to serve as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Mr. Cresencio Sosa, Sr. requested that his name be withdrawn from the post due to illness. The Cabinet shares best wishes to Mr. Sosa for a full recovery.

• Finally, Cabinet gave its recommendation on a number of legislative amendments and laws which will be presented at the Sitting of the House of Representatives on Monday, 17th October 2022.

On October 7, 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) in partnership with the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) officially inaugurated a new school building for the San Isidro Government Primary School in the Toledo District.

The project entailed the construction of a two-story ferro-con crete structure complete with eight classrooms, lavatories on both lev els, a ramp, staircase, staff room, offices and kitchenette. At a total of BZ$1,378,000.00, funding for the project was made possible through the Government of Belize and the Caribbean Development Bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund Ninth Programme.

In attendance at the inauguration ceremony were Hon. Michael Es pat, Area Representative for Toledo East; Mrs. Dian Maheia, Chief Execu tive Officer, MoECST; Mr. Andre Carrillo, Board Member, BSIF; Mr. Carlos Tun, Executive Director, BSIF; staff, students and parents of San Isidro Government Primary School.

EDITORIAL

ROCK BOTTOM

Economies are prone to both peaks, plunges and the occasional plateau. Belize is not indif ferent to these cycles, but there is a correlation that has been observed between the growth of the Belizean economy and the Belizean government of the day. One crucial gauge of the health of our economy is the balance of trade, which tells us if we have a trade surplus or deficit. As we have previously discussed, Belize is a country that traditionally imports most of its consumer goods. That includes the imported foods we like to eat as well as the fashionable clothes we like to wear, vehicles, furniture, and major and small appliances. The voracious appetite that Belizeans have for imported goods had become insatiable prior to the pandemic. However, the financial crisis that followed taught us to embrace and encourage Belizean-grown and made products. It has also been accepted that the importation of these products comes with the distinct disadvantage of importing the inflation crippling the countries where such products originate. The prohibitive costs and the disruption of supply chains have positively affected our local market.

Belizeans are known for being both resourceful and resilient people. The pandemic which had come to wipe us out turned out to be a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and a space where Belizean products thrived. We can appreciate from the numbers that our farmers took advantage and got to work, increasing and diversifying products and yields. The New PUP administration quickly moved to for malize the export of cattle for much-needed foreign exchange and trade during the worst of the crisis. We can appreciate the hard work put in by the agriculture sector by the way that our food security has increased. We are on the cusp of truly being able to attain food self-sufficiency. The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price was a fierce advocate of “eat what you grow and grow what you eat.” It seems that we have, at long last, fulfilled his vision.

Furthermore, the External Trade Bulletin report for August 2022 sheds important light on a variety of matters. There has been more importation of Machinery and Transportation Equipment and that should mean increases in production in subsequent quarters. Chemical Products also saw a rise in importation and that is due to the readiness and preparation of the upcoming harvest for sugarcane and other agri cultural products. These imports should translate into higher yields and exports further along. It was reported in this quarter a reduction in the importation of Mineral Fuels and Lubricants due to a sharp decrease in the importation of regular fuel. The star of this quarter’s exports is Animal Feed having re corded an increase of 2.1M the largest increase in export revenues. Marine products were also up by 1M, due to better prices on the market for lobster.

Belize has been having a good year, even though imports exceeded exports this quarter. The numbers for the first eight months are encouraging, exports are up 11.3 per cent or around 33.6M from last year. Citrus has seen an increase due to the exports of orange oil. Exports of molasses increased as did crude oil. While Belize seems to be holding its own and is clearly heading up toward another new high, the same cannot be said for our friends over by Bel-China Bridge. It seems that every time they seem to have hit rock bottom, they find even more creative ways to dig a deeper hole for themselves. The latest ads only incite disapproval and condemnation for the acts that can only come from very desperate and twisted minds. As is typical, there is no regard for the dignity of the victim who is clearly being revictimized in the public eye by this rogue band of cowards who use her obvious pain for their political leverage. It is obvious that the Opposition has taken a deeper plunge, and this time it looks like they have taken up permanent residence in the cesspool at rock bottom.

EDITORIAL en Español

TOCANDO FONDO

Las economías son propensas a sufrir picos, caídas y alguna que otra meseta. Belice no es indiferente a estos ciclos, pero se ha observado una correlación entre el crecimiento de la economía beliceña y el gobierno de turno. Un indicador crucial de la salud de nuestra economía es la balanza comercial que nos indica si tenemos un superávit o un déficit comercial. Como hemos comentado anteriormente, Belice es un país que tradicionalmente importa la mayoría de sus bienes de consumo. Eso incluye los al imentos importados que nos gusta comer, así como la ropa de moda que nos gusta llevar, los vehículos, los muebles y los grandes y pequeños electrodomésticos. El voraz apetito de los beliceños por los bienes importados se había vuelto insaciable antes de la pandemia. Sin embargo, la crisis financiera que siguió nos hizo pensar en abrazar y fomentar los productos cultivados y fabricados en Belice. También se ha aceptado que la importación de estos productos conlleva la clara desventaja de importar la inflación que paraliza a los países de donde proceden dichos productos. Los costes prohibitivos y la interrupción de las cadenas de suministro han afectado positivamente a nuestro mercado local.

Los beliceños son conocidos por ser personas ingeniosas y resistentes. La pandemia que había venido a aniquilarnos resultó ser un catalizador para la innovación, el espíritu empresarial y un espacio donde los productos beliceños prosperaron. Podemos apreciar en las cifras que nuestros agricultores aprovecharon y se pusieron a trabajar aumentando y diversificando los productos y los rendimientos. La nueva admin istración del PUP se movió rápidamente para formalizar la exportación de ganado para obtener las tan necesarias divisas y comercio durante lo peor de la crisis. Podemos apreciar el duro trabajo realizado por el sector agrícola por la forma en la que ha aumentado nuestra seguridad alimentaria. Estamos a punto de alcanzar la autosuficiencia alimentaria. El Honorable George Cadle Price era un ferviente defensor de "comer lo que se cultiva y cultivar lo que se come". Parece que por fin hemos cumplido su visión. Además, el Boletín de Comercio Exterior correspondiente al mes de agosto de 2022 arroja una impor tante luz sobre diversos asuntos. Se ha producido una mayor importación de Maquinaria y Equipos de Transporte y eso debería suponer un aumento de la producción en los trimestres siguientes. Los Productos Químicos también vieron un aumento en la importación y eso se debe a la disposición y preparación de la próxima cosecha de caña de azúcar y otros productos agrícolas. Estas importaciones deberían traducirse en mayores rendimientos y exportaciones más adelante. Se reportó en este trimestre una reducción en la importación de Combustibles Minerales y Lubricantes debido a una fuerte disminución en la importación de combustible regular. La estrella de las exportaciones de este trimestre es la alimentación animal que ha registrado un aumento de 2,1 M el mayor incremento de los ingresos por exportación. Los productos marinos también aumentaron en 1M, debido a la mejora de los precios en el mercado de la langosta.

Belice ha tenido un buen año, aunque este trimestre las importaciones han superado a las exportaciones. Las cifras de los ocho primeros meses son alentadoras: las exportaciones han aumentado un 11,3%, es de cir, unos 33,6 millones de euros, con respecto al año pasado. Los cítricos han experimentado un aumento gracias a las exportaciones de aceite de naranja. Las exportaciones de melaza han aumentado, al igual que las de aceite crudo. Mientras que Belice parece mantenerse en pie y se dirige claramente hacia otro nuevo récord, no se puede decir lo mismo de nuestros amigos del puente Bel-China. Parece que cada vez que parecen haber tocado fondo, encuentran formas aun más creativas de cavar un agujero más profun do para sí mismos. Los últimos anuncios sólo incitan a la desaprobación y a la condena de los actos que sólo pueden proceder de mentes muy desesperadas y retorcidas. Como es típico, no se tiene en cuenta la dignidad de la víctima que está siendo claramente revictimizada ante la opinión pública por esta banda de cobardes que utilizan su evidente dolor para su influencia política. Es obvio que la oposición se ha hundido más, y esta vez parece que se ha instalado permanentemente en el pozo negro del fondo.

BEER FACTORY RAID

Belize Flexes Tier 2 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Capacity

The Carmelita, Orange Walk Beer Facto ry raid has yielded a LOT more than alleged human trafficked persons and 3.1 Million dollars in cash. It has once more proven that Belize does belong in a High level Tier as a country now that is bent to curb if not eradicate this world ill as it pertains to Belize. The raid just outside of Orange Walk Town and close to the historic ASR/Belize Sugar Industry factory netted on Friday October 7, 2022 eight Chinese men and 1 Belizean - all employees of Caribbean International Brew ery Company Limited in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk. They were subsequently taken to Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. They were all remanded and remain in custody. It was reported that the Chinese have been charged for violating the conditions of their visitors permit. The Belizean, a manager at the facility, was assessed with eight counts of employing person without a valid work per mit. Up to print time they remain remanded and an attorney has been retained to get them a bail hearing at the earliest.

As was reported, a two-day search of the factory turned up 3.1 million dollars in cash stored in a safe. The money has been confiscated and is under investigation by the FIU for money laundering, a matter that has been taken up by senior counsel.

A PR representative for the brewery says that the multi-agency team that did the search had a warrant for labour violations but not a warrant to search for money. The rep added that the monies are the legitimate proceeds of September beverage sales and that the Caribbean International Brewing Ltd has records to substantiate this.

The Commissioner of Police went on record to say: We had received some infor mation in respect to activities that may be occurring at that particular beer factory. Based on that, we put together a multi-agency taskforce headed by police and comprised of immigration, labor, FIU, income tax, as well as personnel from the ATIPs Unit. They went in on the strength of a search warrant to conduct searches, looking for anything that may indicate the presence of human trafficking or money laundering within the particular establishment. Searches were conducted and the search led to the discovery of over three point one million Belize dollars, that also [was] comprised of U.S. currency. Also found were a number of Asian nationals who had immigration violations in respect to their stay in Belize and that includes the owner of the factory.

Those persons who were found to have violated the immigration laws were charged by the immigration department and were arraigned at Orange Walk Town Magistrate’s Court last Friday. In respect to the monies found, the FIU department is currently in possession of those monies and I think, some time this week, they will apply to the court for permission to seize the money, pending the outcome of a money laundering investi gation. Again, that’s a process that will be required to go through the courts and once the court gives the go ahead for the money to be seized while the investigations are ongoing, then they will look more in-depth in terms of whether or not the company was in compliance with the financial laws, filing taxes and paying their fair share of taxes, as the case may be.”

on the upgrade: Belmopan, July 19, 2022. 5:15 p.m.

Today, the United States’ Secretary of State released the 22nd Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) and upgraded Belize’s status to Tier 2. “The 2022 TIP Report assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 188 gov ernments. Countries assessed as fully meeting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 minimum standards for the elimination of traf ficking are placed on Tier 1. Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum standards, but making significant efforts to meet them, are placed on Tier 2 or Tier 2 Watch List. Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum

standards and not making significant efforts to do so are ranked Tier 3.”

The report highlights that “The Govern ment of Belize demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, Belize was upgraded to Tier 2. The report cited key achievements from the Belize Government including convicting two traffickers and applying adequate sentences; expanding the size of its Anti-Trafficking (A-TIP) Police Unit, which increased investigations; improving data collection and case monitoring; opening a shelter for unaccompanied children at risk for trafficking in cooperation with an international organization; and prioritizing anti-trafficking funding and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP)

The government is pleased with the upgrade from Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2 and recognizes that there is more to be done to

combat Human Trafficking in Belize. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPS) Council, chaired by the Ministry of Human Devel opment, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, is the multisectoral body which coor dinates Belize’s response to human trafficking. The council, which comprises government and non-government entities, remains committed, focusing its efforts on improving coordination and collaboration on protection, prosecution, prevention, and partnerships.

The ministry thanks the ATIPS Council members, collaborating authorities, NGO and civil society partners, and the international community, for their dedication and hard work which have contributed to this upgrade in rank. With renewed vigor and strengthened partnerships, the government will continue its efforts in earnest, taking into consideration the recommendations outlined in the TIP Report as Belize strives to eliminate trafficking and its dehumanizing effects on victims.

MOHW Advisory on Treating Drinking Water

October 12, 2022 - Due to flooding caused by the passing of remnants of Hurricane Julia over the weekend, drinking water sourc es in many areas of the country have become unsafe. These may include municipal water systems (BWS), rural water systems, wells and those stored in water tanks and vats. Affected water may appear dark in color, has an odor, or has floating fragments.

All sources used for drinking, cooking or bathing should be treated to make safe by one of the following methods: Bleach (Clorox):

a) Add one tablespoon of bleach to five gallons of water.

b) Mix the bleach and water completely and leave to stand for 30 minutes before using.

DO NOT USE BLEACH THAT IS SCENTED.

Boil drinking water:

a) Place water in a pot and heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute.

b) Remove from the stove to cool and store in a clean covered container to prevent contamination. Purification tablets (if available):

a) Add water purification tablets according to directions on the package.

b) Let water stand for the treatment time and then store safely.

The public is encouraged to be safe during this time. The ministry will continue to monitor the flooding situation and notify the public when water sources are safe to drink and used for other purposes.

For more information, please contact the nearest public health office.

GoB Assessments Underway Severe Flooding Event HURRICANE JULIA

Over the Sunday October 9, Hurricane Julia made landfall in southern Nic aragua. This was enough to deal Belize with up to 8 inches of water in some parts. The north was unscathed but the rest was drenched to waterlogged. Assessments are still being done by several government departments. This will yield a wide view that will allow a more comprehensive report to be made. Even the Tourism sector is assessing. A lot occurred in Belize even as the Hur ricane made impact some 370 miles from our country. Definitely, agriculture did take a hit as it usually does in flood events. A few homes will have furniture destroyed. Thanks God there was no life lost as the tens that were lost in our neighbouring countries…our hearts go out to them.

The government of Belize was now represented by the National Emer-gency Management Organization (NEMO). The reaction came from Human Development, Sustainable Development, Infrastructure, Health and Finance definitely has its hand in this assessment. The planBelize government and the people of Belize working hand in hand to return Belize on the path where more win and where Belize works for everyone.

NICH STA MHW ADVISES ON VECTOR AND WATERBORNE DISEASES DUE TO FLOODING

October 12, 2022 - The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that flood waters can be the source of many infectious diseases, chemical haz ards and injuries and, therefore, urges the public to avoid walking, working or playing in floodwaters. Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rashes, stomach illnesses, tetanus and waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A.

The ministry recommends the following ways to remain safe after a flood:

• Always stay out of floodwater, especially if you have an open wound.

• Cover any open wounds you may have with a waterproof bandage to reduce the chance of infection.

• Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing them well with soap and clean water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

• Wear boots, rubber gloves and goggles if you must enter flood waters.

• Always practice good personal hygiene.

The public is also advised that as a result of increased rains and floods, breeding sites for mosquitoes will also increase as a result of stagnant water. All persons living or going into the affected areas must exercise caution to prevent mosquito bites, which could cause dengue and other vector-borne diseases. Everyone is asked to protect themselves by using long-sleeved clothing and long pants, using mosquito repellent and mosquito coils, and ensuring windows are properly screened or closed before nightfall. Where possible, communities are asked to clean their surroundings and remove containers with standing water that can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Please visit your nearest public health or vector control office for more information.

Storage of Chemicals & Other Hazardous Substances during Flooding

Belmopan, Belize. October 12, 2022. The Department of the Envi ronment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, hereby reminds businesses and the public that chemicals such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous substances should be stored on high ground away from floodwaters.

Additionally, these chemicals should be properly stored using best practices and standard requirements such as segregated storage, tightly sealed containers, and containment bunds. The contamination of the envi ronment as a result of not complying with these requirements may result in prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act.

Remain vigilant as floodwaters encroach, particularly in the Belize Riv er Valley area, to ensure the protection of life, environment and property and report any spill immediately using the contact information below.

CREATING THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE MIDH IMPROVING THE ROADS NETWORK

The Minister Hon. Julius Espat holding responsibilities of the Ministry of Infrastruc ture Development and Hous ing (MIDH) has consistently engaged in areas of works relevant to his portfolio and the aims and objectives of PlanBelize. Espat understands the importance of improving Belize's road network. This improvement creates a com petitive advantage, regard ing the movement of people, commodities and service. This aspect of infrastructure was disregarded by the previous corrupt Barrow/Vega/Faber ad ministration comprised of the incompetent, visionless, cor rupt United Democratic Party. The road infrastructure inherit ed from the worthless red re gime was in a dilapidated con dition and in dire need of major upgrades at every curve. The secondary and feeder roads including the sugar roads were thoroughly impassable. The loud cries from the farmers and the populace at large, desper ately requested that attention be given to the neglected farm roads, highways, and streets across the Jewel were unheard and the dread conditions were unseen.

The UDP, as one caller to the Whip morning show often says, “is not for development.” The Leader of the Opposition (LOO), the nonsensical intel lectual, Shyne Barrow routinely utters that “now is not the time for infrastructure” and that “we can't eat streets, highways and roads in 2022.” UDP’s much lauded infrastructure devel opment was roads that led to nowhere and million-dol lar roundabouts that courted vile corruption. They even built a round-a-bout to nowhere. Most infamous is the Belize Infrastructure Limited’s (BIL) outrageous eight-million-dol lars Faber’s Road in 2017; the exact figure was $7,995,926.40 with Imer, Boots and Montero. It was poised as a sound in vestment which only a full au dit could determine. Similarly, the construction of the retain ing wall on the Philip Goldson Highway which turned out to be a ‘cover Benjamin’ job, sim ilarly became exposed, as this revetment collapsed into the Belize River. The engineer’s recommendations for the wall

to be constructed using sturdy metal or concrete sheet pilings was totally ignored. Plastic sheet piling was the UDP contractor's choice which resulted in near catastrophe. Supplementary ap proval of 12 million was made by Parliament for the urgent repairs of some 500 feet along with the mile 7 portion and the road net work across the country.

MIDH concentration has been on rural roads and roads that serve the productive sector. However, in a collaborative effort with the Belize City Council, con stituency representatives, Town Councils and Village Councils of the MIDH have been doing a Her culean job to make life easier for the Belizean populace traversing the Jewel. For example, Mercy Lane in Belize City, services two noble institutions of the Nation al Health Insurance (NHI) one of which serves the elderly. Mercy lane was in need of extensive re pair and a call by the institution to the MIDH was quickly responded to with the Mercy Clinic person nel expressing their gratitude in kind. Similar, quick response to the cries of villagers and people in Toledo and Orange Walk regard ing some roads upgrades and new work. Senior technical staff developed an action plan which was immediately activated. Three road engineers from Belmopan along with road maintenance op erators and equipment from the MIDH Stann Creek Road Mainte nance Unit. Eleven roads identi fied were under repairs to restore access of passage. The works will continue for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Although the previous incompe tent UDP red regime gave the gov ernment and the MIDH a “basket to carry water” the ministry gave assurance of its unwavering com mitment to do whatever is neces sary to ensure adequate and safe road access for residents, the wider motoring public including students of the country. Creating a compet itive advantage in the movement of commodities, especially those for export is paramount to develop ment and planBelize success of a government working in the interest of the country and people where ev erybody wins. Now after Julia and after water events we can all see the absent UDP resiliency. What Imer and others built during the UDP repressive might be criminal if not super negligent. Let them pay someone to rebuild them.

Ministry of Health & Wellness: New

People’s United Party –NPC Meets

On Saturday October 15, the People’s United Party will convene at the National Party Council level in an exercise of transparency and democracy in their 72 years of following the mantra of ‘Serve the People’. The NPC is the second most powerful gathering of the PUP which is only trumped by a National Convention. The People’s United Party is an institution whose tradition is second to none in Belize and really acclaimed in the political world.

October 11, 2022 - The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW), through its Communications Unit and in collaboration with PAHO and other partners, announces the launch of the ministry’s official website, health.gov.bz.

In keeping in line with Belize’s National Digital Agenda to transform gov ernment services through the integration of technology, the ministry has been working hard to develop a modern, interactive and user-friendly website.

The website consolidates resources and information relevant to all MoHW departments, allowing Belizeans and visitors worldwide to easily access infor mation and services at the ministry using any device. The ministry will con tinue to work on the website, ensuring that all users get the best experience.

Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Hosts First Belize Climate Change Week

The delegates are diverse and, similarly, this is only trumped by the numbers that are convened at a National Convention. This is the makeup: Each constituency is allowed 6 delegates plus the constituency chairper son. Also, invited are the members of the PUP National Executive, All PUP Parliamentarians (House-26 and Senate-6), Party Leader delegates, 3 delegates per Party Arm(Belize Youth Movement, United Women’s Group, Marshalls), the Recipients of the George Price Award and the Elected PUP Mayors and Councillors of all the Town and City Councils in Belize. The number is substantial this year given the MASSIVE mandate the people gave the PUP and planBelize at General Elections November 11, 2020 and Municipal Elections March 3, 2021.

A highlight of the day will be the awarding of the George Price Award to a cadre of recipients selected from across the country. Here are four of the awardees. You can look forward to the next edition of the paper for the full list and pictures of the awardees.

PM AWARDEE

Mr. Chris Williams

BYM COROZAL Ms. Leslie Rodriguez UWG Ms. Katie Isabel Jones MARSHALLS Ms. Fabiana Scott

ADVISORY NO. 6 NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

FLOODING IN CENTRAL BELIZE

As at 6:00 PM Thursday, 13th October 2022

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management through the National Climate Change Office and in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Of fice is hosting the first-ever Belize Climate Change Week from Octo ber 11th to 14th, 2022, at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The theme is “Enhancing Belize’s Position in Global Climate Action.”

The objective of Belize Climate Change Week is to contribute to the improved knowledge and en gagement of various stakeholders at a national level. Planners, deci sion makers, indigenous people, youth, women, and children must become aware of the impacts of

climate change and commit to joining forces to tackle these impacts. The Belize Climate Change Week is crucial to the Government of Belize’s commitment to responding to climate change and engaging all relevant stakeholders in propelling climate action on a national and global level.

The week features a series of sessions, including the Indigenous Peoples’ Sensitiza tion Session held on October 11th, a session for Youth and Youth Negotiators held from October 11th to 12th and a mock Conference of Parties (COP) also held on October 12th.

During the mock session, the young leaders assumed their roles as party dele gates attached to negotiating blocks, each of them representing different countries. They held robust climate change negotia tions throughout the exercise as is done at the actual event. The participants were able to immerse themselves and experience the scale and intensity of the COP. This level of exposure is vital for these youth to become more engaged in the climate change dis course and to ignite their passion for debat ing and negotiating on behalf of their coun try on the national and international stage. The session culminated with the drafting of a formal youth declaration, which was pre sented to and signed by the ministry’s CEO Dr. Kenrick Williams at today’s session for senior officials.

The final day will be centered on the United Nations Convention on Biological Di versity.

In the west, as the Mopan River is receding where it passes Benque Viejo, Succotz, Calla Creek, Bullet Tree Falls, and Paslow Falls, communities along the Sibun and Belize rivers are experiencing flood conditions. The floodwaters are also receding as it passes through Blackman Eddy, Roaring River, La Rivera area, and More Tomorrow but are rising in the Belize River Valley pushing more floodwaters into the Belize District. It is possible that this will continue for the next three to four days and possibly longer. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for a possible major flood event.

Bridges and ferries that are closed are Gracie Rock Hammock Bridge, Igua na Creek Bridge, San Ignacio Wooden Bridge, the Xunantunich and the Baking Pot ferries. The Santa Familia/Branch Mouth and Calla Creek roads are now ac cessible after the new culverts were installed and the road repaired. The ATM Cave bridge was washed away. The Hopkins/Sittee River bypass road is impass able. Access to Monkey River Town by road is by high vehicles only.

One hundred and eleven (111) persons are now in five (5) shelters in the Cayo District. Shelters remain opened in Calla Creek, El Progresso 7 miles and Belmopan. The Relief and Supplies Committee distributed water to residents of La Rivera and provided humanitarian assistance to families that were in urgent need in the Calla Creek and 7 miles communities. The water truck distributed drinking water to residents of Bullet Tree today.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is conducting water quality tests throughout the flood zones. Reports indicate that some children and adults are coming down with fever in Calla Creek, Cayo. Doctors are assessing to verify the cause. An increase in mosquitoes and vector- borne threats are anticipated.

NEMO continues to advise the public of the following: If you live near to a river, creek or low- lying area, take the necessary actions to save your life. Avoid walking, playing and driving through floodwaters. If your home is likely to flood, before leaving, secure your home, unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and main water valve, secure your documents and your pet. Check on the elderly and people with disabilities. If you need to seek shelter, move early; do not wait until it is too late. Farmers in the Belize River Valley and Crook ed Tree areas should move livestock and crops to a safe place. Residents are advised to secure and move their belongings, livestock and pets to higher grounds. Move early!

The public is advised to wash hands thoroughly before touching food and handling water. In flooded areas, boil or purify water before drinking it. As much as possible, use bottled water for drinking and preparing and cooking food or treat with bleach (Clorox); add one (1) tablespoon of bleach to five (5) gallons of water. Mix the bleach and water completely and leave to stand for 30 min utes before using or treat with water purification tablets according to directions on the package. Store one (1) gallon per day for each person in your home for drinking and cooking.

The public is advised to stay away from downed power lines.

NEMO’s emergency hotline is 936. Continue to take necessary actions to save life and protect property!

MSME ROADSHOW WINNERS!

UNCAC’s Relevance to the Constitution

The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the major anti-corruption mechanism of the United Nations and it is administered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC). Belize’s implementation of UNCAC requires a conference of the State Parties to the Convention with the objectives to promote and review the im plementation of the Convention. Belize has already submitted to this process and is being regularly reviewed by country ex perts from other United Nation member countries who make recommendations to improve our readiness for the full implementation of the Convention.

As a result of this continuous review Belize has undertaken to draft and implement the necessary laws required for full implementation. Among these laws are the strengthening of the Integrity Commission, the recently passed Protection of Witness Act 2022, and the drafting of both the Protected Disclo sure Bill (also known as the Whistleblowers Bill) and the Civil Asset Recovery Bill. These laws are required for the implementation of UNCAC largely because they are necessary so that the investigation and prosecution of acts of corrup tion can actually be undertaken. The Focal Person of the UNODC is constantly in communication with the appropriate Government of Belize relevant depart ments and is, even now, scheduling a visit of the Conference of State Parties to meet with the Government of Belize and, also, with civil society and business community stakeholders to obtain all necessary information on the programs, plans and practices as well as legislative and administrative measures being undertaken to prepare for the full implementation of UNCAC.

Remember Belize, UNCAC is a multilateral convention negotiated by mem bers of the United Nations and is the first global legally-binding international anti-corruption instrument AND Belize is vigorously and meticulously prepar ing to take all the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, in accordance with fundamental principles of its our domestic law, to ensure the implementation of its obligations under this Convention. We must adopt severe measures for preventing and combating corruption.

“We cannot be mere consumers of good governance; we must be par ticipants: we must be co-creators”, Rohini Nilekani

-88.8438

NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

-87.9130

-88.3668

17.1475 -89.0750

17.2280 -88.7702

SECOND NOTICE

to Section 10 (3)

the Belize Mines and Minerals Act,

226, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 20002003, Victor Miranda on behalf of Twinkling Assets Ltd., has applied to the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, through the In spector of Mines, Mining Unit; for a license to extract sand from the seabed adjacent to Caye Chapel, Belize District. The area to be mined is bounded between UTM Co-ordinates:

Northing

Easting

mined

(91) acres.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Kaelan Vasquez is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Diversified Entertaiment & Events Ltd.” located at # 5781 Goldson Avenue, Belize City, Be lize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Janine Lo pez & Ekaterina Diab are applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “MOE’s Pizza Pasta LLP” located at 3 Miles Philip Goldson High way, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Janine Lo pez & Ekaterina Diab are applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be oper ated at “MOE’s Pizza Pasta LLP” locat ed on Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Be lize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wei Xian Chen is applying for a Shop Liquor Li cense to be operated at “Quan Sing 2 Shop” located at # 9 Neal’s Pen Road, Belize City, Belize District under the In toxicating Liquor License Ordinance Re vised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wei Zhang Chen is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Henry’s Shop” located at # 3201 C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Juan G. Ma gana & Tatiana Magana are applying for a Restauarnt Liquor License to be operated at “Lagom Terrace” located at # 9 Hopkins Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Li cense Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Martha Montero is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “Lealtad Loyalty Belize” located at # 1297 Marble Cone Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Li quor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Rene Villan ueva is applying for a Publican Gen eral Liquor License to be operated at “Rene’s Store” located at # 75 Ceme tery Road, Belize City, Belize District un der the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Nilda Va lasquez is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Lion King Night Club” located at # 32 King Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Yanjun Cao is applying for a Night Club Liquor Li cense to be operated at “MJ’s Dragon Night Club” located at # 9 West Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xiaoli Tang Ke is applying for a Restau rant Liquor License to be oper ated at “Sam’s Saloon” located at Mahogany Street Extension, Be lize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hong Bin He is applying for a Publi can Special Liquor License to be operated at “Cooking Master” located at # 2136 A St. Thomas Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Li cense Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hong Bin He is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be oper ated at “JM 1 Restaurant” locat ed at # 60 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the In toxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wen hai Luo is applying for a Conve nience Store Liquor License to be operated at “M & Dream Su permarket” located at #12 Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hong Bin He is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be oper ated at “JM 1 Restaurant” locat ed at # 60 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the In toxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Isai Aguirre is applying for a Publi can Special Liquor License to be operated at “Azteca Restaurant Bar & Grill” located in San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District un der the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Jar ed Ahmed & MD Rakib Jony & Hossan are applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Mid Town Grocery Shop” lo cated at # 61/63 Albert Street, Be lize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordi nance Revised Edition 1980.

Job Vacancy:

Chairman’s Customs Upholstery is looking for a female Office Assistant who is young, vibrant, talented, hands-on and willing to learn. Sewing experience is a plus. Working hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Serious inquiries can apply via email to: alexan dergarbutt52@gmail.com or whatsapp 625-7760.

Over the Jewel

Freetown

INTEREST: CORN PURCHASES BY MEXICO

The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise had a very informative meeting with Jorge Ángulo, National Manager for corn purchases in Mexico for GRUMA, parent company for MASECA brand.

GRUMA in Mexico purchases 52,000 tons of yellow corn and 2.5 M tons of white corn.

Of this 2.2 M tons is provided by Mexican farmers and .3 M tons is imported from the US.

The Minister was exploring these questions:

What are the prospects of Belizean farmers supplying GRU MA WITH WHITE CORN?

Do we have enough space to expand in a sustainable manner?

Can we convince GRUMA to invest in processing facility for MASECA and is there a CARICOM market for these corn prod ucts?

Jorge Ángulo is interested in purchasing white corn from our farmers in Belize!!

Statement on Road Traffic Accident Involving MOHW Ambulance

Belmopan. October 12, 2022. 2:40 p.m.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) is aware of an accident involving one of its ambulances and a minivan on October 11, 2022. Regrettably, a life was lost in that accident. The ministry extends its deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends, as well as to all the persons affected by this tragedy.

Based on information to the ministry, the ambulance was transporting a patient from the Corozal Community hospital to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. Twelve other persons sustained inju ries in the accident and are hos pitalized at different health facil ities countrywide. The ministry

extends prayers and thoughts for a successful recovery for those persons.

The MoHW strongly con demns irresponsible driving on the highways and is fully cooper ating with the police in the inves tigation in order to determine the cause of the accident.

Jorge Vargas

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE

AND SUPERVISION OF

Institution: Ministry of Economic Development

Country: Belize

Project: Resilient Rural Belize Programme

Loan No.: 2000002301

AND

Deadline for Submission of Proposals: November 9, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Background:

The Government of Belize (GOB), through a financing agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), has embarked on a six-year Programme, Resilient Rural Belize (RRB), which aims to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The programme will help farmers employ climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies; integrate profitable smallholder participation into the development of select vegetables, fruits, and honey value chains; and support smallholder production capacity through investments in public and private climate resilient infrastructure and in the strengthening of smallholder farmer Producers’ Organizations and relevant GOB Departments.

Scope of Service:

The main objective of this consultancy is to contract the services of a consultancy firm to provide architectural services for the Design and Supervision of construction work for Storage and Packaging Centers for RRB Beneficiaries in the following villages:

1. Cayo District - Valley of Peace, San Antonio, and Seven Miles

2. Orange Walk - San Carlos

3. Corozal District - Concepcion and Xiabe villages.

Specific Experience of Firm:

• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience designing, developing and supervising architectural designs.

• A minimum of at least one project of similar nature and complexity. Experience with any Agricultural and produce/food handling structures and facilities will be an advantage.

Key Staff Qualifications:

The consultancy firm must possess two (2) Key staff members:

• Architect

o Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Professional Architect registered with the Association of Professional Architects of Belize (APAB)

o Minimum 3 years relevant experience in architecture.

o Proficiency in the use of Computer Aid Design (CAD) Software for the preparation of the drawings and the creation of the 3D renderings.

• Engineer

o Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

o Must be registered with the Association of Professional Engineers of Belize (APEB)

o A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in engineering design, design review, construction supervision and its related requirements.

The Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Programme now invites now invites expressions of interest (EOIs) from firms to provide services for the Design & Supervision of construction work for Storage and Packaging Centers.

A Consulting Firm will be selected in accordance with the procurement procedures set out by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consulting Firms interested in receiving the Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) should register their interest by sending an e-mail (with subject: Request for REOI - Design & Supervision of construction work for Storage and Packaging Centers) to the Procurement Officer at nvernon.RRB@med.gov.bz giving full contact details of the Consultant. This will ensure that the Consultants receive updates regarding this RFP.

The Proposal must be delivered to the following address on or before April 15, 2021, at 10:00AM (Local time). Consultants also have the option of submitting their

Attn: Geraldo Flowers

Programme Manager

Resilient Rural Belize Programme

Ministry of Economic Development

National Agriculture Showgrounds

Hummingbird Highway Belmopan, Belize

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Fisheries Ministers announce 20th Anniversary of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism in 2023

7 October 2022 (CRFM)—Fisheries Ministers from across Member States of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) issued a formal state ment at the end of their 12th Special Meeting held on Friday, 7 October 2022, announcing a year-long celebration in 2023, to observe the 20th Anniversary of the CRFM.

The celebration will showcase the vital contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to the regional and national economies, and to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, job creation, trade, and blue economic growth.

In their deliberations today, the Ministerial Council of the CRFM also took some important decisions to, among other things, advance small-scale fisher ies and aquaculture in the region, in collaboration with fisherfolk organizations as well as regional and international development partners and donors.

The full Ministerial Statement on the CRFM’s Anniversary celebration appears below:

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARIBBEAN REGIONAL FISHERIES MECHANISM

Friday, 7 October 2022

The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM)—comprised of Ministers responsible for Fisheries across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—meeting at their 12th Special Meeting held on Friday, 7 October 2022, hereby declare that 2023 shall be observed and celebrated as the 20th Anniversary of the CRFM.

The Fisheries Ministers note that 2023 will mark 20 years since the CRFM was officially inaugurated as a specialized, inter-governmental CARICOM Regional Institution to “promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region’s fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region.”

In this regard, the Ministerial Council reaffirms its full support for the CRFM@20 Action Plan and calls upon the CRFM Secretariat, the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, the CARICOM Secretariat and our regional and international development partners and donors to support its implementation.

The Ministers note that the CRFM’s 20th Anniversary campaign will focus on the CRFM’s achievements over the past two decades and inspire a fresh vision for the future of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, while seizing new opportunities for maximizing the benefits of the Blue Economy for sustainable development of our countries and the welfare of our people.

The Fisheries Ministers underscore the important value of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the regional and national economies of CARICOM, and the critical importance of its contributions towards achieving the mandate issued by the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Thirty-third Inter-Sessional Meet ing of the Conference, to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025.

The Ministers also emphasize the sector’s unique role in sustainably har nessing the vast and diverse wealth of the Blue Economy. This unparalleled value of the sector will be brought into focus during the CRFM’s Anniversary Celebra tions, with special emphasis on sustainable livelihoods and employment, food security and nutrition, and domestic and foreign trade.

The Ministerial Council of the CRFM unreservedly reiterates its full support for all activities outlined in the CRFM@20 Action Plan, including the 3-day Scientific Conference and series of webinars on important topical issues on fisheries, aquaculture and blue economic growth which the CRFM will convene as a part of the CRFM’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, to highlight the scientific contributions of the CRFM, its Member States, and regional and international partners, to the advancement of the sector.

-

Over the past 20 years, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism has played a leading role in addressing fisheries issues and priorities on the international stage. Here, three CRFM policymakers (Ministers from Belize, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) partnered with the Minister of Fisheries of Norway to boldly address the challenge of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing and Transnational Organized Crime in the global fishing industry. The CRFM partnered with Norway in hosting a side event at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference.

Photo: Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

BELIZE CLIMATE RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECTOR

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Loan No: 9347-BE

Project ID No.: P172592

The Government of Belize has received financing in the amount of US$ 25,000,000 equivalent, from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, works (if necessary), non-consulting services and consulting services to be procured under this project. This project will be jointly financed by Local Beneficiaries and Unguaranteed Commercial Financing.

The project will include the following components:

Part 1: Institutional Strengthening: focuses on strengthening the capacity of key public institutions (government agencies and academic organizations) to support a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector. The component will finance goods, small works, equipment, studies, training, consulting, and advisory services.

Part 2: Investments in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA): strengthening the capacity of farmers and participating financial intermediaries engaging in climate-smart agricultural investments under the Project, as to be able to take advantage of the provision of financing to farmers (matching grants and loans from PFIs) to adopt CSA technologies and practices, and increasing their productivity, levels of income and resiliency to climate change and weather events.

Part 3: Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation: finance incremental and operating costs, goods and equipment for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Part 4: Contingent Emergency Response: contingent financing mechanism which will permit Belize rapid access to World Bank support in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency.

The following processes are intended to be procured through international competitive procurement:

Brief Description Category Selection Method

Climate Smart Training (soil & water management)

Supply, delivery and training of equipment for Plant pathology and entomology

Supply and delivery of equipment for food safety (Liquid Chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometers)

Consulting Services LCS

Goods RfQ

Goods RFB

Procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will be conducted through the procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016) (Procurement Regulations) and is open to all eligible firms and individuals as defined in the Procurement Regulations. After project negotiations, the World Bank shall arrange the publication on its external website of the agreed initial procurement plan and all subsequent updates once it has provided a no objection.

Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be announced, as they become available, in UN Development Business online, on the World Bank’s external website, CARICOM official portal, Government of Belize website, and Belize Social Investment Fund website and/or newspapers of national circulation in Belize.

Interested eligible firms and individuals who would wish to be considered for the provision of goods, works (if necessary), non-consulting services and consulting services for the above-mentioned project, or those requiring additional information, should contact the Borrower at the address below:

Organization/Department Belize Social Investment Fund

Name: Mr Carlos Tun

Title: Executive Director

Address: P.O. Box 459 / 1902 Constitution Drive (3rd Floor)

City: Belmopan

Country: Belize

Phone: +501 822-0239

Fax: +501 822-0279

Email: carlos.tun@sifbelize.org

Website: www.sifbelize.org

LPG DROP BY 20CENTS PER GALLON

Supplies Control Unit (SCU) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise hereby informs the general public that effective Wednesday, October 2022, new fixed controlled prices will be introduced for the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This change now reflects the sale by wholesale volume and sale by volume in both urban and rural areas.

The Supplies Control Unit (SCU) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Securi ty and Enterprise hereby informs the general public that effective Wednesday, October 12th, 2022, new fixed controlled prices will be introduced for the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This change now reflects the sale by whole sale volume and retail sale by volume in both urban and rural areas.

These prices reflect a decrease of BZ$0.20 per gallon for the current ship ment resulting primarily from a decrease in the acquisition price of butane.

The general public is advised that the prices established for imported LPG are based on the mixtures of 70:30 (Propane: Butane) only as per requirement of the Belize National Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) BZS 21:2012. For further information, kindly contact the Supplies Control Unit at 822-2648, 223-2845 or via email desiree.mon tes@agriculture.gov.bz.

District Per Gallon

IMPORT WHOLESALE

Belize District

Cayo District

Orange Walk District

Corozal District

Stann Creek District

Toledo District

RETAIL

Belize City

RETAIL

Urban Area Per Pound Per Gallon

$1.34 $5.86

Belmopan $1.34 $5.86

San Ignacio Town $1.34 $5.86

Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town $1.34 $5.86

Orange Walk Town $1.34 $5.86

Corozal Town $1.34 $5.86

Dangriga Town $1.34 $5.86

Punta Gorda Town $1.34 $5.86

The National Assembly Celebrates World Sight Day

These prices reflect a decrease of BZ$0.20 per gallon for the current shipment resulting primarily from a decrease in the acquisition price of butane.

13th October 2022 - Today is World Sight Day and the National Assembly of Be lize on the invitation of the Belize Council for the VisuallyImpaired (BCVI) supported the initiative to commemorate the day by promoting eye health care with parliamen tarians. This was done through eye screening as part of the National Assembly Staff Committee meeting held today. Members of the National Assembly Staff Commit tee and staff members of the parliament participated in the eye screening services provided by the BCVI team today in Belmopan.

The general public is advised that the prices established for imported based on the mixtures of 70:30 (Propane: Butane) only as per requirement the Belize National Standard Specification for Liquefied Petroleum Gas BZS 21:2012. For further information, kindly contact the Supplies Control at 822 2648, 223 2845 or via email desiree.montes@agriculture.gov.bz.

Rural Area Per Pound Per Gallon

Rural areas of the Belize District $1.36

Rural areas of the Cayo District $1.36

Rural areas of the Orange Walk District $1.36

Rural areas of the Corozal District

On 23rd July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed its first resolution on vision: Vision for Everyone - Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. BCVI, non-profit organization, is the country's only non-private provider of eyecare working to reduce avoidable blindness and improve the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments and irreversible blindness through comprehensive appropriate eye services. The organization signed into the global initiative led by The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (APB) calling for the pro motion of eye care health with the support of government officials and members of parliament.

During the course of the day, BCVI continued its eye screening initiative with other sectors and ministries of government in Belmopan. BCVIwill continue promot ing the importance of eye health and its link to sustainable development goals by providing outreach eye screening sessions countrywide, in partnership with parlia mentarians.

Handing Over of Tourism Security Transportation Vehicles through the Sustainable Tourism Program II

The Ministry of Tourism and Di aspora Relations (MTDR) through the Sustainable Tourism Program II hand ed over three (3) additional vehicles as part of scheduled program activi ties under Component (3) Institution al Strengthening geared towards the

Ministry of Economic Development Supports ClimateResilient Agricultural Practices by Rural Farmers

October 6, 2022 - To address the challenges of market access for Belizean farmers, the Ministry of Economic Devel opment through its Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Program, today signed a memo randum of understanding (MOU) with the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC).

Signing on behalf of the ministry and BMDC were Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, and Mr. Servulo Baeza, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, respectively. Mr. Geraldo Flowers, RRB Program Manager, and Mr. Valentin Carrillo, Director of BMDC, wit nessed the signing.

The RRB Program aims to introduce climate-resilient agricultural practices that allow smallholder farmers to operate us ing sustainable production processes, even under the stress of extreme climatic events. Therefore, the main objective of this MOU is to improve BMDC’s Agricul tural Market Price Information System (Agrilink) and its role in providing whole sale and retail market price information. Technical assistance and capacity building for farmers will be provided on the use of Agrilinks, marketing techniques, quality assurance, market analysis, climate-re silient production planning and technolo gies focused on post-harvest loss reduc tion, storage, standards and conformity assessment systems and innovation, and effective information dissemination tools.

Additionally, the RRB will work to gether with BMDC to strengthen link ages between producers and buyers by supporting the formation of partnerships with key institutional actors, such as ho tels and restaurants in high-end markets and processors in industrial markets. The RRB will facilitate and promote the es tablishment of commercial partnerships, linking producers and their cooperatives with buyers, as well as supporting the building of potential public-private-pro ducer partnerships.

The Briceño Administration is com mitted to identifying the priorities and opportunities in Belize and designing programs such as the RRB to serve each sector in the country. It also understands the urgency to reduce poverty and min imize the impact of climate change. Therefore, the government will work dili gently to increase sustainable economic activities and build on climate adaptation and mitigation.

provision of tourism transportation security vehicles. This brings the total number of vehicles handed over to five (5). These vehicles will assist and im prove on the destination management of the tourism sector.

Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ar thurs, in the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries received the first vehicle on behalf of the Belize Police Department and Tourism Police

Unit while the National Institute of Cul ture and History (NICH) President Mar ilyn Young received the second vehicle on behalf of the Institute of Archaeol ogy (IA). Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kenrick Williams, in the Ministry of Sus tainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Management received the third vehicle on behalf of the Forest De partment.

These three additional vehicles

were handed over by Chief Executive Officer Nicole Solano, in the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations on behalf of the Sustainable Tourism Program II (STPII). Minister Anthony Mahler had previously handed over two vehicles in a ceremony held on September 2, 2022. The five vehi cles, valued at $65,000.00 BZE each, will serve to support the respective institutions to further strengthen their capabilities in providing support secu rity services.

The TPU, a specialized unit with the Belize Police Department, is man dated with policing the tourism indus try countrywide has now received two (2) vehicles. Likewise, the NICH and IA are mandated to manage a host of archaeological sites distrib uted across multiple areas with our borders and have now received two (2) vehicles. The Forest Department is tasked with the management of several Forest Reserves countrywide including the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve has received one (1) vehicle. All three institutions are tasked with maintaining the safety and security of the visitors to these sites and other tourism facilities.

Climate Vulnerability and Livelihood Assessment Validation Consultation

October 5, 2022 - The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, in collabo ration with the Food and Agriculture Or ganization of the United Nations Repre sentative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has successfully held four Climate Change Vulnerability and Livelihood As sessment consultations for the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize.

The consultations are a deliverable of the GCF readiness project entitled, “Enhancing adaptation planning and in creasing climate resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize.” As part of this stakeholder engagement process, a final validation consultation was held today in Belize City at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza to present the key findings of the climate vulnerability and livelihoods assessment conducted for the communities of Belize City, Dan griga and San Pedro.

The climate vulnerability and liveli hood assessment has identified habitats

and ecosystem services with the inten tion of subsequently developing adapta tion strategies for these resources and addressing key management questions of stakeholders. Furthermore, a common understanding of a range of possible fu ture conditions for Belize City, Dangriga and San Pedro, and what those could mean for habitats and ecosystem ser vices have been identified.

The objectives achieved include:

1. The gathering of data that will be vital to develop the climate rationale for fisheries and coastal zone projects for the GCF and overall climate change projects;

2. Baseline knowledge and under standing of climate trends (current, his toric, projected future);

3. Vulnerabilities of habitats and ecosystem services to climate change with regards to sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity;

4. Climate drivers important for habitats and/or ecosystem services and alternative future scenarios; and

5. How alternative future scenarios could impact habitats and/or services.

Ministry of Economic Development Urges Safe Driving

October 11, 2022 - The Second Road Safety Project Executing Unit (SRSPEU) in the Ministry of Economic Development expresses concern about the numerous traffic incidents that have occurred over the past weeks.

While not all causes of these inci dents were conclusively determined, the SRSPEU reminds all road users that speeding and distracted driving are the leading causes of traffic inci dents in Belize. It is imperative that drivers maintain their speed within the legal limit and take all precautions to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicles ahead of them, which, if prop erly maintained, allows sufficient time for an adequate response if necessary. It is also imperative that drivers focus on the road and are not distracted by passengers, cell phones, pets, music, and other disturbances.

In times of inclement weather, drivers should use their headlights to be seen by other road users and should slow down to maintain complete con trol of their vehicles, particularly in the event of the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. If visibility is poor, drivers should pull well off the side of the road and turn on hazard lights until visibility improves.

Based on statistics gathered, there

were 234 traffic incidents for the period of January to September of 2022; with 63 fatalities and 94 serious injuries. The country’s goal for road safety, in align ment with the United Nation’s General Assembly Global Goal for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 to 2030, is to reduce road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030. Based on the current trend, this might be a more challenging goal than anticipated, despite the Government of Belize’s efforts and investments. Not withstanding this, the government is determined to meet its objective.

The Ministry of Economic Devel opment and the Second Road Safety Project Executing Unit call on all road users to comply with the rules and reg ulations set forth in the Traffic Act to en sure the safe use of roads.

NOTICE

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NUMBER 11/2022

Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $64,391,800.00.

The Bills will be issued in electronic form only evidenced by an electron ic book entry in the Central Securities Depository of the Central Bank of Belize in multiples of $200 and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Tuesday, 25 October 2022 and will be redeemed on Tuesday, 24 January 2023.

Each tender must be for $200 or a multiple of $200 and must specify to five decimal places the amount, which is offered for each one hundred dollars face value of the Bills sought.

Members of the public who wish to participate in the auction must submit their bid to the Central Bank of Belize electronically or at the designated drop off box no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 21, October 2022.

The Auction in the Central Securities Depository System (CSD) will be opened from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, 25 October 2022.

Successful bidders should arrange to settle via the Automated Payment & Securities Settlement System of Belize (APSSS).

Bank: Central Bank of Belize Account: GLICORP0402627

The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE

Notices are placed on Central Bank of Belize Website (www.centralbank.org.bz)

4 October 2022

Meeting of the House of Representatives STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE BELIZE16

IN THE ESTATE of LANDA LISSET CROSS a.k.a. LANDA MARIK, Deceased of Province of Alberta, Canada.

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Admin istration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of LANDA LISSET CROSS a.k.a. LANDA MARIK, Deceased of Calgary, Province of Alberta, Canada, who died on the 20th day of March, 2020 and in whose estate Grant of Administration with the Will Annexed has been granted to BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED, of No. 35 Barrack Road - Third Floor, Belize City, Belize, shall lodge claims or demands with the said BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED of No. 35 Barrack Road – Third Floor, Belize City, Belize, on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said LANDA LISSET CROSS a.k.a. LANDA MARIK, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and de mands of which they shall then have had notice.

DATED this 6th day of October, 2022

GLENN D. GODFREY & COMPANY LLP Attorneys-at-Law for BELIZE FUDICIARY SERVICES LIMITED in the Estate of LANDA LISSET CROSS a.k.a. LANDA MARIK

Ministry of Health & Wellness Commemorates World Mental Health Day 2022

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Operations Department. In the Port’s continued effort to promote diversity, both females/males, are encouraged to apply for the available post.

ASSISTANT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

Reports to: Cargo Operations Manager

Summary of Responsibilities: The Assistant Operations Supervisor will report to the Cargo Operations Manager and will assist with the supervision of all container movement and operations personnel. He or she will be responsible for preparing vessel worked forms to Accounts Department for billing and statistical/Operational reports. Able to check reefer plugins, read and calculate charges. Learn newly implemented Octopi Terminal Operating System, training to be provided. Assist COM with preparing gang order for vessels and reefer cargo information. This post is fun and challeng ing, come prepared for a new venture.

Job Responsibilities:

Summary of Responsibilities: The Assistant Operations Supervisor will report to the Cargo Operations Manager (COM) and will assist with the supervision of all container movement and operations personnel. He or she will be responsible for preparing vessel worked forms to Accounts Department for billing and statistical/Operational reports. Able to check reefer plugins, read and calculate charges. Utilize newly implemented Octopi Terminal Operating System (TOS), inhouse training and opportunity for ongoing self-development to be provided.

Assist COM with preparing gang order for vessels, berth planning, staff scheduling and reefer cargo information.

On October 10, 2022, the world commemorated World Men tal Health Day under the theme “Make mental health and well being for all a global priority.” The theme was chosen to address the inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact globally on people’s mental health.

Worldwide the COVID-19 pan demic triggered an unprecedented mental health crisis in an already ill-prepared health system with a short supply of services, skills and funding available for mental health, especially in low- and middle-in come countries. The mental health and wellbeing of many health, social care and frontline workers and other employees were deeply affected by the pandemic and sys tems need to be strengthened to better support staff during times of crisis and challenge.

The Ministry of Health & Well

ness continues to encourage aware ness and support of mental health issues. Additionally, the ministry encourages all its stakeholders to improve the social determinants of health and to bring awareness of the stigma and discrimination associat ed with mental illness. Employers are urged to take this opportunity to prioritise employees’ health and wellbeing, helping them become happier, healthier and more produc tive.

The public is invited to participate in World Mental Health Day activities in their area. These include health fairs, a walk-a-thon, a TikTok compe tition, live-streamed talk shows, edu cational sessions and media rounds.

Persons in need of mental health services are advised to visit their nearest mental health clinics, locat ed at the public hospitals, to talk to their primary care provider to set up an appointment.

BELIZE NATIONAL YOUTH AWARD: Call for Nominees

On November 4th, 2022, the Min istry of Youth, Sports, and Transport through the Department of Youth Ser vices will be hosting the Belize Nation al Youth Awards Ceremony. The event will be held during Youth Week, which runs from October 31st – November 5th, 2022, under the theme “Adding Global Value, Taking Charge of Our Future”.

The National Youth Awards is a prestigious national honor bestowed on outstanding young Belizeans from ages 15 to 29 who demonstrate high standards of achievement and com mitment within their respective com munities.

The nominees come from across the country and are nominated in the following categories:

Youth Minister’s Award (Leader ship)

Strength through Adversity Award

Youth in Sports Award (Male)

Youth in Sports Award (Female)

Diversely Abled Award Innovation through Technology Award (Individual/Group)

Outstanding Young Musician Award

Youth in Visual Arts Award

Social Media Influence Award Youth in Agriculture Award Academic Excellence Award Youth in Entrepreneurship Award Environmental Steward Award (Group/Individual)

Those who wish to submit a nom ination form are required to visit the Department of Youth Services office in their respective area or use this link https://forms.gle/6C8YwVmUzUK

L2F5k7) to fill out the form online.

Nominations should include cop ies of all relevant information including proof of achievements, valid I.D. and recommendations. Deadline for sub mission is Monday, October 17th, 2022.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Attract, develop, grow and retain the best talents and fill the leadership pipeline.

• Organize, balance and schedule workloads within the department.

• Prioritize, delegate, and set performance objectives.

• Follow-up on performance, provide quality feedback, and objectively appraise differentiated performance levels.

• Empower and inspire staff to achieve high levels of motivation and employee engagement.

• Ensure zero harm, improve safe working processes.

• Provide timely reports for all accidents, incidents and disciplinary incidents.

• Understand Customer requirements and drive the department to achieve these on a consistent basis.

• Track and manage variable expenditure to avoid all cost waste and reduce costs to the bare minimum.

• Continuously lean, streamline, and improve processes.

• Leverage relevant technology to automate processes.

• Maintain high levels of data quality for data and information and reports provided to other functions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Remain vigilant and immediately take action in the event any personnel, customers or visitors to the terminal are not wearing PPE and/or any unsafe acts are witnessed.

• Assist with supervising of the movement of inbound and outbound of all containers and break bulk/bulk cargoes.

• Assist with supervising of personnel working in the port compound, container yard and pier.

• Assist with the input, processing and verification of correct and complete upload of vessel and cargo information into the TOS in preparation of vessel arrival. Reconcile planned and executed work prior vessel departure. Provide relief at Gate-In and Gate-Out processes as required.

• Develop and implement a systematic yard plan to accommodate performa cargo flows into and out of the yard; modify as required to meet actual vessel cargo fluctuations.

• Plan, sequence, execute and monitor cargo discharge and load, into and out of the yard in an optimized manner.

• Generate and execute work queues for yard stacker operators; discharge and load; monitor execution.

• Assist with the preparation of gang order for vessels.

• Assist with the preparation and daily maintenance of the staff roster; aligning anticipated operations manning requirements with projected vessel movements, distributing regularly (daily if required).

• Assist with the preparation and daily maintenance and distribution of the Berth Plan.

• Provide relief at Gate-In and Gate-Out processes as required.

• Provide relief at Front-Desk release processes as required.

• Check and sign delivery orders for authenticity to load direct delivery containers.

• Assist with the supervising of the loading and unloading of containers and break-bulk vessels in compound/pierhead.

• Provide reports of vessels worked to Accounts Department for billing.

• Provide reports (work logs) of vessels worked for operations statistics.

• Check and prepare reefer cargo information. Check reefer plug-ins, reading and calculate charges.

• Develop and maintain operational data and operational reporting.

Innovation & Productivity Improvements

• Learn “Octopi” Terminal Operating System (TOS). Initial basic training is to be provided and an inquisitive mind is required to continually learn, adopt and implement new features released within the TOS software on an ongoing basis. Strive to realize both the TOS’s and the organization’s full potential.

• Proactively drive efficiency and productivity and provide suggestions and recommendations to the Supervisors for continuous improvements.

• Develop and maintain updated processes and procedures for all tasks so that work is 100% standardized.

• Actively seek opportunities to drive innovation and realize efficiencies in the standardized work.

• Ensure all general work areas in a clean, tidy and hazard free condition.

• Any other duties and functions, of a

October 11th, 2022 - The Department of Transport in collaboration with the Belize Forest Department is taking measures to improve road safety as it per tains to the movement of logs and commercial lumber. The public is hereby informed that all persons in possession of a logging license or permit from the Belize Forest Department will be required to obtain a Heavy Load Permit, as re quired by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, from the Department of Transport effective October 15th, 2022. Logging license and permit holders must also abide by the requirements as outlined in the Forest Act.

The Department of Transport and the Belize Forest Department will ensure that all trucks and trailers undergo a rigorous inspection to meet the safety stan dards mandated by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations prior to the issuance of the heavy load permit.

Examples of the minimum requirements will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Yellow warning lights placed on the roof of the motor vehicle

2. Red warning flags and other caution signs

3. Reflective tape and red reflectors on the motor vehicle and trailer

4. Minimum of three chains not less than ½ inch in thickness

5. Welded manufactured and secure metal columns on trailers

The Department of Transport and the Belize Forest Department remain com mitted to the improvement of safety standards on all thoroughfares in Belize. Both departments will be conducting national enforcement operations to ensure compliance with the new requirements for the transportation of logs and com mercial lumber.

For more information on the requirements, applicants are encouraged to contact the Department of Transport Headquarters at 802-2038 or visit our web site at transportbelize.org. Inquiries can also be made with the Belize Forest Department at 822-1524.

MoECST Addresses

Concerns about Code Caribbean Project Survey

October 11, 2022 - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology is aware of the concerns that have been raised in Barbados in regard to the pretest survey that was used for the Code Caribbean Proj ect. This project is a positive youth development program which seeks to provide technical skills in coding and entrepreneurial and life skills such as collaboration, teamwork, and conflict resolution. In an attempt to establish the project’s impact on reduction in negative outcomes, the survey included the Child Behaviour Checklist Youth Self-Report, which is a general assess ment instrument used in a variety of settings, including by pediatricians and hospitals. The administration started on September 26 in both Barbados and Belize.

Some students in five participating schools in Belize were asked all the questions on the survey. Students in the remaining schools did not answer the questions in one section of the survey, which came from the Child Be haviour Checklist (CBCL). While these questions are deemed to be a mea sure of mental health and well-being, this ministry shares the concern of the public regarding the nature of the questions, which have been removed. The ministry hereby assures the public that the practice of seeking parental consent will continue to be observed.

This pre-test phase of the Code Caribbean Project is a part of the Eval uation Study being conducted. The Code Caribbean Project is a two-year computer science programme designed to build both socio-emotional and entrepreneurial skills in students. It will introduce students to coding and develop math, comprehension, and writing skills. The main objective is to expand technological skills that will spark innovation and diversification for young people by the time they have completed secondary school.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Belize

Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP)

Loan No.: 9347-BE

Project ID No.: P172592

Assignment Title: Deputy Project Coordinator

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): CS 02

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qualified fulltime PROJECT STAFFDEPUTY PROJECT COORDINATOR as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Deputy Project Coordinator will support the Project Coordinator (PC) in providing leadership and management of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and will support the PC in coordinating the activities to be implemented. The Deputy Project Coordinator will also assist the PC in project planning, budget preparation and management and execution, to achieve the Project’s objectives and targets.

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Deputy Project Coordinator.

The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of Twenty-four (24) months commencing November 2022. The Deputy Project Coordinator will be supervised by the Project Coordinator (PC) of the CRESAP.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by submitting a request in writing via e-mail to nellie.trench@sifbelize.org or at the following link https://sifbelize.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CS-02-Terms-of-Reference-TOR-Deputy-Project-Coordinator-CRESAP-10-10-2022-final.pdf on the website of BSIF at www.sifbelize.org.

The Belize Social Investment Fund now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (such as cover letter, Curriculum Vitae etc.).

Minimum Mandatory Requirements *(Required) Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, agriculture, rural development, or any other field related to the assignment.

General Experience

• Eight years’ working experience in public or private sector performing tasks related to managing of projects (max 20 points)

*If these minimum requirements are not met, the candidates will not be considered for the process*

Additional Requirements (Desirable) Specific Experience

• At least five years’ experience in implementation of projects in the agriculture field (max 30 points)

• At least five years’ experience working in rural development, particularly in rural/local communities (max 20 points)

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with agriculture value chain particularly livestock or horticulture crops (max 15 points)

• At least five years’ experience with project management for activities funded by of IFIs (e.g. World Bank, IDB, CDB, EU etc.) (max 15 points)

Minimum total points required to be considered for the assignment is 75 points.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 0800 to 1600 hours Belize Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by October 28, 2022 at 16:00 hours Belize Time.

Belize Social Investment Fund

Attn: Nellie Trench, Finance Coordinator

P.O. Box 459, 1902 Constitution Drive (3rd Floor), Belmopan, Belize

Telephone +501-822-0239

Email: nellie.trench@sifbelize.org

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Belize

United States Donates Technical Equipment to Improve Case Management in Belize’s Judicial System

Belize City – As part of ongo ing U.S. support for Belize’s judicial reform efforts, the U.S. Embassy today donated office and computer equipment to the judiciary to aid in creating enhanced efficiencies in processing court cases. This dona tion, valued at over US $280,000, is part of a broader U.S. governmentsponsored Backlog Reduction Pro gram, which also supports legisla tive reform and the establishment of a digital case management sys tem. Since the program’s inception six months ago, our partnership has resulted in a 42 percent reduction in

Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qual DEPUTY PROJECT COORDINATOR as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Deputy Project Coordinator will support the Project Coordinator (PC) in providing leadership a Implementation Unit (PIU) and will support the PC in coordinati mented. The Deputy Project Coordinator will also assist the PC in project planning, budget preparation and management and execution, to achieve the Projec

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individua Project Coordinator.

Belize

Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP)

Loan No.: 9347-BE

Project ID No.: P172592

Assignment Title: Procurement Officer

No. (as per Procurement Plan): CS 06

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qualified fulltime PROJECT STAFFPROCUREMENT OFFICER as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Procurement Officer will be primarily responsible for the management of project procurement activities undertaken as part of the CRESAP implementation, supervise the international and national bidding process for goods, non-consultant services, consultant services and if needed, also civil works; prepare and submit bid evaluation reports, negotiate contracts and make recommendations for awarding contracts, conforming to terms and conditions stipulated in the subsidiary agreement and World Bank procurement regulation.

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Procurement Officer.

The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of Twenty-four (24) months commencing November 2022. The Procurement Officer will be supervised by the Project Coordinator (PC) of the CRESAP.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by submitting a request in writing via e-mail to nellie.trench@sifbelize.org or at the following link https://sifbelize.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CS-06-Term-of-Reference-TOR-Procurement-OfficerCRESAP-101022-final.pdf on the website of BSIF at www.sifbelize.org.

the court case backlog.

Minimum Mandatory Requirements *(Required) Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, agriculture, rural development, or any other field related to the assignment.

General Experience

• Eight years’ working experience in public or private sector performing tasks related to managing of projects (max 20 points)

*If these minimum requirements are not met, the candidates will not be considered for the process*

Additional Requirements (Desirable)

Specific Experience

Belize and the United States share a common objective to im prove both access to justice and swift justice. Fundamental to a strong and healthy democracy is re spect for human rights and the rule of law. This latest U.S. government donation will be used to facilitate the digitalization and movement of court records and expand virtual court services, helping to remove barriers to the timely resolution of cases.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones noted, “The focus of this year’s U.S.-funded jus tice sector support to Belize is on reducing the criminal case backlog and improving efficiencies through streamlining court processes with digital technologies. Today’s dona tion represents an investment not only in the courts, but in enabling swift justice for Belizean citizens.”

Chief Justice Her Ladyship Hon. Louise Blenman underscored, “In order for the criminal justice system to be strengthened, it is impera tive to have technological improve ments. The judiciary is therefore grateful to the Embassy for so gen erously donating very costly equip ment to the court which is coming to us at the perfect time and will serve to enhance the delivery of criminal justice to the people of Be lize.”

• At least five years’ experience in implementation of projects in the agriculture field (max 30 points)

• At least five years’ experience working in rural development, particularly in rural/local communities (max 20 points)

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with agriculture value chain particularly livestock or horticulture crops (max 15 points)

• At least five years’ experience with project management for activities funded by of IFIs (e.g. World Bank, IDB, CDB, EU etc.) (max 15 points)

Minimum total points required to be considered for the assignment is 75 points.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Since 2016, the U.S. Embassy has partnered with the Belize ju diciary on legislative reform, the establishment of an adjournment policy, case management improve ment, capacity training, and four pilot courts specially created to re duce the backlog. Upon the contin ued invitation from the Government of Belize, the United States is com mitted to continuing support for rule of law and citizen security.

The Belize Social Investment Fund now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (such as cover letter, Curriculum Vitae etc.).

Minimum Mandatory Requirements *(Required) Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or any other field related to this assignment.

General Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience working in public or private sector performing tasks that include drafting of reports, chairing of meetings, writing meeting minutes, procuring of goods or services etc. (max 20 points).

*If these minimum requirements are not met, the candidates will not be considered for the process*

Additional Requirements (Desirable) Specific Experience

• Three or more years working experience at procurement officer level (max 30 points)

• Working experience conducting procurement under strict guidelines of IFIs (e.g. World Bank, IDB, CDB, EU etc.) (max 20 points)

• Project Management or Procurement training completed (max 15 points)

• Experience working in a project environment (max 15 points)

Minimum total points required to be considered for the assignment is 75 points.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 0800 to 1600 hours Belize Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by October 28, 2022 at 16:00 hours Belize Time.

Belize Social Investment Fund

Attn: Nellie Trench, Finance Coordinator

Saving Lives

U.S. assistance to support Belize’s emergency response capabilities is about saving lives and mitigating secondary impacts.

As part of ongoing emergency preparedness programs through U.S. gov ernment-funded CARSI-ESF grants, partners Belize Heroes and the Belize Na tional Fire Service hosted a two-day training for Belmopan firefighters and volunteer dispatchers. The session, facilitated by the Hanover 911 Emergency Communications Center in Virginia, equipped participants with strategies to respond to emergency situations – where fast and effective communication can save lives.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Belize Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP)

Loan No.: 9347-BE

Project ID No.: P172592

Assignment Title: Senior Accounts Officer Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): CS 05

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qualified fulltime PROJECT STAFFSENIOR ACCOUNTS OFFICER as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Senior Accounts Officer will have the overall responsibility of sundry project accounting and administrative tasks required for the successful implementation of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project.

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Senior Accounts Officer.

The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of Twenty-four (24) months commencing November 2022. The Senior Accounts Officer will be supervised by the Finance Unit Coordinator of the Social Investment Fund (SIF).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by submitting a request in writing via e-mail to nellie.trench@sifbelize.org or at the following link https:// sifbelize.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CS-05-Terms-of-Reference-TOR-Senior-AccountsOfficer-CRESAP-101022-final.pdf on the website of BSIF at www.sifbelize.org.

The Belize Social Investment Fund now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (such as cover letter, Curriculum Vitae etc.).

Minimum Mandatory Requirements *(Required) Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Management, Business Administration, Finance or equivalent qualification.

General Experience

• Three (3) years’ experience working in accounting field in public or private sector performing tasks that include reconciliation of bank statements, preparation of payroll and conducting general accounting services. (max 20 points)

Westline Bus Connection to Oil Spill

October 12, 2022. Today, person nel from the Department of the En vironment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Manage ment, conducted an inspection at a site located on George Price Boule vard in Benque Viejo del Carmen be ing managed by Westline Bus Co. An oil spill, which was not reported by the bus company, was observed on the land and discharging into a near by drain.

It was determined that a contain er having a capacity of about 1,100 gallons and storing waste oil, which is classified as a hazardous substance under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), had ruptured resulting in the oil spill. The site in question is lo cated on a slope causing the spilled oil to run into a drain, which leads into the Mopan River. The exact quantity of oil spilled cannot be determined at this time as the company has no record of the amount of oil that was stored. There is no indication at this time that the oil has entered the

Mopan River; however, it is possible that contamination can occur once the floodwaters recede.

The DOE’s team on the ground has been able to contain the spill, along with employees of the bus company, and will continue to supervise the clean-up activities in the coming days. In the in terim, the DOE has issued a pollution abatement notice to the company to ensure the necessary measures are implemented to avoid further envi ronmental impacts, and subsequently seek legal advice in the prosecution of the offence and/or levying of applicable penalties under the EPA.

*If these minimum requirements are not met, candidates will not be considered for the process*

Additional Requirements (Desirable)

Specific Experience

• Three or more years of experience conducting accounting services for international funding agencies (max 25 points)

• At least three years of experience working with automated financial information systems preferably Quick-books (max 20 points)

• Experience working in a project environment (max 15 points)

• Experience conducting accounting processes under strict guidelines

• Project Management training completed (max 10 points)

• Formal training completed or working knowledge of Fund Accounting and Multi-Currency transactions (max 10 points)

Minimum total points required to be considered for the assignment is 75 points.

The attention

1600 hours Belize Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by October 28, 2022 at 16:00 hours Belize Time.

Belize Social Investment Fund

Attn: Nellie Trench, Finance Coordinator

P.O. Box 459, 1902 Constitution Drive (3rd Floor), Belmopan, Belize Telephone +501-822-0239 Email: nellie.trench@sifbelize.org

GAMES

PEN ROAD BASKETBALL COURT

Belize

Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP)

Loan No.:

Project ID No.: P172592

years or older are invited to participate in the games. There will be prizes for the first and second place teams each weekend.

Assignment Title: Senior Accounts Officer

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): CS 05

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The first series of volleyball games at the Jane Usher Basketball court concluded on Saturday October 8th with an exciting volleyball compe tition.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qualified fulltime PROJECT STAFFSENIOR ACCOUNTS OFFICER as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Senior Accounts Officer will have the overall responsibility of sundry project accounting and administrative tasks required for the successful implementation of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project.

There were cash prizes for the 1st and 2nd place teams and a raffle with cases of soft drinks, fans, and two $50.00 cash prizes for the fans.

Belize

Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP)

Loan No.: 9347-BE

Project ID No.: P172592

Assignment Title: Project Coordinator

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): CS 01

The Government of Belize has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

Starting this Saturday October 15, 2022 and for six consecutive Satur days, you are invited to exciting vol leyball from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the basketball court on Pen Rd, Belize

Many thanks to all the players, fans, and organizers. You all enable the competition to be a tremendous success. Special thanks to members of the visiting team who made the competition more competitive by

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Senior Accounts Officer.

The consulting services (“the Services”) is for a suitable qualified fulltime PROJECT STAFFPROJECT COORDINATOR as part of the Project Implementation Unit of the CRESAP within the Belize Social Investment Fund. The Project Coordinator will provide overall leadership and management of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and will coordinate the activities to be implemented. The Project Coordinator will have the ultimate responsibility for planning, budget preparation and management and execution to achieve the Project’s objectives and targets. In addition, the Project Coordinator will report to Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) on overall project implementation and will act on the MAFSE behalf in his/her contacts with public and international institutions and provide overall supervision of service providers contracted by the project. The Project Coordinator will also provide regular project update to the Project Oversight Committee.

The GOB has appointed the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) as the implementing agency for the project and the BSIF is seeking to recruit an individual to fill the position of Project Coordinator.

The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of Twenty-four (24) months commencing November 2022. The Project Coordinator will be supervised by the Executive Director of the BSIF and will report to Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) and BSIF on overall project implementation.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by submitting a request in writing via e-mail to nellie.trench@sifbelize.org or at the following link https://sifbelize.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CS-01-Terms-of-Reference-TOR-Project-CoordinatorCRESAP-10-10-2022-final.pdf on the website of BSIF at www.sifbelize.org.

The Belize Social Investment Fund now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (such as cover letter, Curriculum Vitae etc.).

Minimum Mandatory Requirements *(Required) Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, agriculture, rural development, or any other field related to the assignment.

General Experience

• Eight years’ working experience in public or private sector performing tasks related to managing of projects (max 20 points)

*If these minimum requirements are not met, the candidates will not be considered for the process*

Additional Requirements (Desirable)

Specific Experience

• At least five years’ experience in implementation of projects in the agriculture field (max 30 points)

• At least five years’ experience working in rural development, particularly in rural/local communities (max 20 points)

•Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with agriculture value chain particularly livestock or horticulture crops (max 15 points)

•At least five years’ experience with project management for activities funded by of IFIs (e.g. World Bank, IDB, CDB, EU etc.) (max 15 points)

Minimum total points required to be considered for the assignment is 75 points. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant method

out

the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 0800 to 1600 hours Belize Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by

or by e-mail) by October 28, 2022 at 16:00 hours Belize Time.

Belize Social Investment Fund

Attn: Nellie Trench, Finance Coordinator

P.O. Box 459, 1902 Constitution Drive (3rd Floor), Belmopan,

Belize

Telephone +501-822-0239

Email: nellie.trench@sifbelize.org

Government of Belize Basic Needs Trust Fund Tenth Project (BNTF10)

Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Crique Jute ITVET Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize

Taiwan’s participation can strengthen international cooperation to fight transnational telecommunication fraud in the post pandemic era

Request for Expressions of Interest

Government of Belize Basic Needs Trust Fund Tenth Project (BNTF10)

Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Hope Creek ITVET Refurbishment Sub-project, Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize

Request for Expressions of Interest

Li, Hsi-ho

Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau

Fraud is disrupting people’s live lihoods

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,031,000.00 towards implementing the BNTF10 Country Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Fina claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The internet is very much part of daily life in the postpandemic world. Working, studying, shopping, and con ducting other transactions online have become commonplace. But the digital financial services that have developed from these activities are an easy target for criminal organizations and have also made investigating crime more compli cated for the police. In 2021, Taiwan re ported fraud-related losses of NT$5.61 billion (equivalent approximately to US$186 million), indicating that fraud has seriously damaged national eco nomic development. There is little doubt that fraud poses a formidable challenge to countries worldwide.

The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the Executing Agency (EA), now wishes to procure consultancy services for the design and supervision of infrastr ITVET Crique Jute Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize (Large Sub-project).

The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical suppor mentation of the BNTF10 Country Project. Consulting firms will be required to review existing designs and estimates (where available); advise on scope and adequacy of sub-project intervention; and provide detailed designs, summary estimates, and priced activity schedules. The work must consider thematic areas such as gender and environmental assessments, and shall seek to integrate disaster mitigation measures into designs. Consulting firms will also be required to provide technical inspection of construction works. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) months.

the criminal group—requires them to pay additional taxes of 10 to 20 percent before the withdrawal can be approved.

The BSIF now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these Consultancy Services.

In recent years, fraud has become more diverse and sophisticated and scammers are working in new and constantly evolving ways. Schemes involving cryptocurrency—recently a hot commodity—have inflicted heavy losses on victims. When Taiwan’s police investigate cases, they often encoun ter difficulties arising from the fact that servers, recipient accounts, and crypto currency exchange platforms used by perpetrators are based overseas. This prevents officers from stopping the transfer of money in time to help the victims and makes it more difficult to track down suspects.

Even if the payment is made, the crimi nal group continues to fabricate further demands that the account be replen ished in order to cover, for example, transaction fees.

Criminal organizations have shift ed their tactics from buying mule bank accounts to using virtual currency wal lets, thus lowering the risk of police detection when funds are withdrawn.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a) in the case of the body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of an eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements; (b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and (c) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any ar rangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Consultants are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria detailed in Section 4 and conflict of interest provisions in Section 5 of the Procurement Procedures for Projects Financed by CDB (January, 2021), as published on CDB’s website (caribank.org).

The inflow of profits from fraud and other illegal activities involves mon ey laundering, tax evasion, and other crimes that undermine domestic finan cial regulatory systems and erode the sovereign authority of governments. Police cooperation between Taiwan and other countries would help reduce the number of fraud cases and contribute to the administrative efficiency of gov ernments worldwide.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to consulting firms’ technical competence, qualifications and experience in relation to providing detailed design and supervision services on education infrastructure projects, as well as local and regional experience, financial capability (liquidity ratio) and existing commitments. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The gangs open phony accounts with virtual currency exchanges, where identity verification procedures are rel atively relaxed. Once a victim makes a deposit into a designated account, the scammers quickly transfer the money multiple times, eventually moving it to a cold wallet. It is then switched to an other exchange where it is converted into legal tender. Crypto wallets that do not require user authentication and have no upper limit on transactions are a convenient tool for money laundering.

All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (Belize Time), except on Public Holidays.

The victim, perpetrator, and location of the crime are usually in different coun tries. Thus, transnational cooperation is needed to effectively crack down on the common practice of concealing ille gal gains and converting them into legal assets.

The Expression of Interest must be received electronically at the first (BSIF) and second (CDB) address below no later than 2:00 p.m. (Belize time) on Monday, October 17, 2022. The subject line of the email containing each submission shall be clearly marked “BNTF10 - Expressions of Interest – Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Crique Jute Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize”.

Taiwan’s police strive to protect victims of organized human traffick ing

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,031,000.00 towards implementing the BNTF10 Country Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the Executing Agency (EA), now wishes to procure consultancy services for the design and supervision of infrastructure works for the proposed IT VET Hope Creek Refurbishment Sub-project, Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize (Large Sub-project).

The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical support to the EA during the implementation of the BNTF10 Country Project. Consulting firms will be required to produce designs and estimates (where available); advise on scope and adequacy of sub-project intervention; and provide detailed designs, summary estimates, and priced activity schedules. The work must consider thematic areas such as gender and environmental assessments, and shall seek to integrate disaster mitigation measures into designs. Consulting firms will also be required to provide technical inspection of construction works. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) months.

The BSIF now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these Consultancy Services.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if:

(a) in the case of the body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of an eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements; (b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and (c) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any ar rangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Consultants are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria detailed in Section 4 and conflict of interest provisions in Section 5 of the Procurement Procedures for Projects Financed by CDB (January, 2021), as published on CDB’s website (caribank.org).

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to consulting firms’ technical competence, qualifications and experience in relation to providing detailed design and supervision services on education infrastructure projects, as well as local and regional experience, financial capability (liquidity ratio) and existing commitments. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (Belize Time), except on Public Holidays.

International cooperation is needed to combat the use of virtual currencies for money laundering

Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. Following the submission of proposals, a Consultant shall be selected by utilizing the Least Cost Selection (LCS) method. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Addresses:

1. Procurement Unit

Belize Social Investment Fund

3rd Floor

#1902 Constitution Drive

Belmopan

BELIZE

Virtual currencies are a high-riskhigh-reward commodity. They have grown increasingly popular in invest ment markets. As the average person does not fully understand how virtual currencies work, these investments have become a common instrument of organized fraud. Taiwan police have re cently discovered that money launder ing by criminal groups using virtual cur rencies mostly involves proceeds from investment fraud. Victims are lured into registering with a fake investment plat form and when they try to withdraw funds after making a profit, the cus tomer service system—operated by

Anticipating that the number of job seekers would increase due to in voluntary unemployment driven by the pandemic, criminal organizations set up call centers in various parts of the world and recruited people on a large scale through online advertising. The scam mers used attractive slogans like “easy job” and “fast financial freedom” and promised stable and legal employment in other countries. Victims only discov ered after arriving that the jobs involved fraud or were not what they expected.

2. Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank

P.O. Box 408

Tel. (501) 822-0239; Fax. (501) 822-0279

Email: submissions@sifbelize.org

The Expression of Interest must be received electronically at the first (BSIF) and second (CDB) address below no later than 2:00 p.m. (Belize time) on Monday, October 17, 2022. The subject line of the email containing each submission shall be clearly marked “BNTF10 - Expressions of Interest – Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Hope Creek Refurbishment Sub-project, Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize”.

Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. Following the submission of proposals, a Consultant shall be selected by utilizing the Least Cost Selection (LCS) method. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Addresses:

1. Procurement Unit

Belize Social Investment Fund

2. Procurement Officer Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408

Wildey

St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I.

Tel. (246) 539-1600

Some even had their passports confis cated, were deprived of their freedom, and were beaten or sold to other unli censed businesses if they refused to comply. If they asked to quit, they were

Email: procurement@caribank.org

cc: omar.bispat@caribank.org

3rd Floor #1902 Constitution Drive

Belmopan

BELIZE

Tel. (501) 822-0239; Fax. (501) 822-0279

Email: submissions@sifbelize.org

Wildey

St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I.

Tel. (246) 539-1600

Email: procurement@caribank.org

cc: omar.bispat@caribank.org

Taiwan’s participation can strengthen international cooperation to fight transnational telecommunication fraud in the post pandemic era

Continued from page 26

forced to pay exorbitant fines or threat ened with organ removal to compen sate the gangs.

Human trafficking is a serious is sue that needs to be addressed by the global community. Fraud rings take advantage of the convenience of the internet to recruit people of different nationalities through multiple channels to work in scam call centers around the world. Taiwan police have long spared no effort to crack down on this type of transnational crime. This year, they have received reports of Taiwanese citizens being held against their will and forced to engage in fraudulent activities in Cambodia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries by illegal organizations set up by Chinese nationals. International cooperation is urgently needed to rescue the victims and fight such crimes.

In 2021, Taiwanese and Vietnamese police jointly cracked down on a fraud ring in Taiwan that was forcing Vietnam ese migrants who had overstayed their visas to engage in scams targeting their fellow compatriots. The racket earned the criminals VND3.29 billion (equiva lent to about US$140,000). In coopera tion with other foreign law enforcement agencies, Taiwan’s police have uncov ered several cases of organized crime outside Taiwan linked to cross-bor der fraud and human trafficking. They worked with Montenegro in 2020 and with Turkey in 2021 to clamp down on organized crime involving perpetrators, victims, and locations in multiple coun tries. In the joint operation with Mon tenegro, 92 suspects were arrested for defrauding more than 2,000 victims of a total of NT$632.78 million (equivalent roughly to US$21 million). These cases not only underscore the importance of cooperation among countries to com bat crime but also highlight the need for concerted efforts to protect human

dignity and values.

Taiwan’s contribution will benefit the world

Taiwan has a high regard for the rule of law and human rights. The Constitu tion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) upholds the ideal that national sover eignty resides with the people and explicitly provides for the protection of people’s rights and freedoms. The gov ernment strictly prohibits any action that infringes on the rights of others. Transnational crime often involves mul tiple countries and areas, which can hin der investigations. In the postpandemic world, criminal tactics will continue to evolve and new methods will emerge. In investigating new forms of criminal activity, experience is invaluable. Taiwan is willing to share its experience in solv ing crimes. Today, telecommunications and cyber fraud are conducted across borders and transnational crime rings are organized and departmentalized.

This poses a challenge to the sover eignty of nations and undermines live lihoods, economies, and law and order.

Taiwan is keen to exchange intelligence with partners and assist other countries in staving off threats from overseas and combating organized crime within their borders.

Police officials are entrusted with the heavy responsibility of maintain ing law and order. Their top priority is to protect people’s lives and property.

Given that crime has taken on increas ingly diverse forms, police are facing even greater challenges. To fight mod ern crime, law enforcers need a firm understanding of the latest criminal developments so that they can prepare for the future and be ready to respond decisively. Looking ahead, Taiwan’s po lice will continue to work with partners worldwide. No place should be over looked in fighting the pandemic or tack ling crime. The international community can count on Taiwan.

Government of Belize Basic Needs Trust Fund Tenth Project (BNTF10)

Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Crique Jute ITVET Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize

Request for Expressions of Interest

The Government of Belize (GOBZ) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$5,031,000.00 towards implementing the BNTF10 Country Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOB and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOBZ shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), the Executing Agency (EA), now wishes to procure consultancy services for the design and supervision of infrastructure works for the proposed ITVET Crique Jute Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize (Large Sub-project).

The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical support to the EA during the implementation of the BNTF10 Country Project. Consulting firms will be required to review existing designs and estimates (where available); advise on scope and adequacy of sub-project intervention; and provide detailed designs, summary estimates, and priced activity schedules. The work must consider thematic areas such as gender and environmental assessments, and shall seek to integrate disaster mitigation measures into designs. Consulting firms will also be required to provide technical inspection of construction works. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) months.

The BSIF now invites interested eligible consulting firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these Consultancy Services.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if:

(a) in the case of the body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of an eligible country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements;

(b) in the case of unincorporated firms, the persons are citizens or bona fide residents of an eligible country; and

(c) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any ar rangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Consultants are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria detailed in Section 4 and conflict of interest provisions in Section 5 of the Procurement Procedures for Projects Financed by CDB (January, 2021), as published on CDB’s website (caribank.org).

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to consulting firms’ technical competence, qualifications and experience in relation to providing detailed design and supervision services on education infrastructure projects, as well as local and regional experience, financial capability (liquidity ratio) and existing commitments. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (Belize Time), except on Public Holidays.

The Expression of Interest must be received electronically at the first (BSIF) and second (CDB) address below no later than 2:00 p.m. (Belize time) on Monday, October 17, 2022. The subject line of the email containing each submission shall be clearly marked “BNTF10 - Expressions of Interest – Consultancy Services for the Design and Supervision of Infrastructure Works for the Proposed Crique Jute Rehabilitation Sub-project, Crique Jute Village, Toledo District, Belize”.

Following the assessment of submissions, a short-list of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment. Following the submission of proposals, a Consultant shall be selected by utilizing the Least Cost Selection (LCS) method. GOB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

2.

1.